HOUSTON -- The Hispanic population is increasingly favoring convenience stores, which have become lucrative bulk vending locations in some markets, as shopping destinations. According to a recent NPD Group study, U.S. Hispanics make almost two more visits a month than non-Hispanics to major oil chain c-stores, and nearly one more visit over a 30-day period to traditional c-stores. For some Hispanics, purchases at convenience stores supplement or substitute those that are normally made at grocery stores.

For bulk vending operators who depend on accurate location demographic data to market their machines, NPD's findings may come as a surprise. Hispanic, or Latino, locations are commonly identified as mom-and-pop grocery stores, restaurants and specialty food stores. But the expansion of Latino shoppers, a key bulk vending demographic, is a trend that will likely continue.